Today’s interview is with Sydney Leigh, who has had not one but two releases this year, kicking off two different series. Instagoner: A Bark and Blog Mystery is her latest, and we talk about it (and more) in the interview to follow.
Connect with Sydney on Instagram and her website. Grab a copy of Instagoner here, and Peril in Pink here.
Hi, Sydney! In your latest release, Instagoner, lifestyle blogger Emily Dalle gets thrown into detective work after a controversial talk show host shows up dead. To help, she turns to her online audience for tips. What do you love about Emily’s character? What traits of hers make her an excellent cozy sleuth?
Hi Manon! Thank you so much for having me on today. I’m thrilled to be here, talking about Instagoner. Emily is such a fun character to write. She feels like a real person to me and when I’m not working on a book featuring her, I think about her (which is great since I have a contract for two more books!). Emily is curious, loyal, and straightforward. She shares her day-to-day life with her audience so she is self-aware and open with her feelings. One of my favorite things about Emily is her relationship with her ride-or-die best friend, Fitz. He can read her like a book and serves as a great sidekick for all her (mis)adventures.
You also had another mystery—your debut!—come out earlier this year. Peril in Pink stars B&B owner Jess Byrne, who investigates a murder on her property. How did writing this book compare with Instagoner? Can you share a bit about your mystery plotting and writing process for both books?
I’m a wannabe plotter. There it is, I’ve said it. With each book I start out with the best intentions to have a master plan, a brilliant outline that I will follow from start to finish. But, so far, that hasn’t happened. The days I set out to plot a book I usually end up doing things like baking cookies, going for extra long walks with my dog, and (attempting to) stand on my head (in my defense, I’ve always wanted to learn how to do a handstand). Eventually, I get to the point where I recognize it isn’t happening and I start to write the book. Pantsing (writing by the seat-of-your-pants) requires a tremendous amount of re-writing and editing, but for me, it’s what’s worked so far.
There’s a quote that resonates with me: “Writing is like driving at night in the fog. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.” — E. L. Doctorow.
With two new books out just this year, what have you learned about the writing and publishing process so far? What advice has been most helpful to you, and what would you tell other writers (or your past self)?
Hmm . . . that’s a stumper. I’d say you need to remember that things take time. A lot of the process is out of your control. But the thing you can always do? Keep writing.
What have you learned so far about building readership and an online community?
Thank you so much, Manon! I’m a people person. I love to connect with others, online and in person. Writing is a solitary activity but publishing isn’t. I’ve made some great friends who understand the ups and downs of the industry.
Also? Bookstagrammers are my superheroes. They are champions of books and their love of reading is infectious. Whenever I’m not sure what to read for my next book, I’ll scroll through Instagram and search some of my favorite book lovers accounts to see what to read next. They often inspire me to pick up a book I haven’t heard of and dig in.
Lastly, what’s on your horizon? Can we expect more books in either of your series, and/or what are you currently working on and looking forward to?I finished the first draft of the follow-up book to Instagoner. It needs a lot of revising but it’s a start. While I let that simmer, I’ve switched to a different book which I’m VERY excited about. New characters, new setting. I can’t share too much about that one yet, but hopefully in the not-too-distant future . . .
Thanks so much to Sydney for the interview. Sleuths, I hope you enjoyed it! If you aren’t already subscribed, please be sure to sign up for the Cluesletter and get author features like this alongside other mystery goodies, delivered to your inbox every other Tuesday.